CROWD CONTROL

POLICE will use capsicum foam instead of spray at the Australian Open to avoid the ugly scenes that marred last year's event.

After the furore over footage of a Victoria Police officer spraying up to 30 people - including children - last January, officers have been told to use the foam, which targets a person more directly.

The change in tactics came as organisers prepared to serve up a new era of night-time tennis at this year's event.

In a no-nonsense approach to avoid a major disturbance, police have also said they will:

* INSTANTLY eject troublemakers for up to 24 hours.

* ISSUE on-the-spot fines of up to $227 to spectators who disrupt games, use indecent language or behave in a "riotous", "offensive" or "insulting" manner.

* INCREASE CCTV surveillance.

* PATROL the Melbourne Park precinct with uniformed and plain-clothed officers.

Supt John Cook said troublemakers would not be tolerated.

"We will not accept inappropriate crowd behaviour and anyone caught doing the wrong thing will face strict penalties, which may include immediate arrest or eviction," he said.

Tennis Australia chief Steve Wood said Open officials were working with police.

"We're really focusing on the family friendly environment and our security will reflect that," he said